Page 86 of Love on the Line

“Yup.” She lowered her hand. “I think sitting on the rocks by the water is the perfect thing for us to do today.”

He kissed her forehead and gave her a hug. “All right. Sounds good.”

When they reached the park, they drove past a crowded picnic area. If someone recognized him, that would be the end of their privacy. She glanced around and pointed across the lot. “Let’s go near the woods away from everyone. I see a spot where we can put the blanket.”

“I’m down with that.” Wyatt parked in the farthest space and opened the door for Goober.

Anne carried the basket over to the grass and spread the blanket out. The sun warmed the top of her head and a soft breeze blew. Couldn’t ask for better weather.

Goober bounded over to Anne, and she gave him the biscuits she’d made. He plopped down and chomped them while she set up the picnic.

“I brought his bone to keep him busy while we eat.” Wyatt tossed it on the ground next to the dog.

“Aren’t these cool? I found these little plates with the dip holder in the middle so you can put the fruit around it and have your own dish.” Anne plopped a spoonful of peanut butter in the center of the cut-up apples.

Wyatt stood at the edge of the blanket and wiped his palms on his jeans.

He didn’t look like he’d even heard her. “Wyatt?”

“Huh?” He swallowed. “Sorry, did you ask me something?”

“Nothing important. Are you going to sit down and eat?” She slid over to make room for him. What the heck was going on?

“Oh, right.” He dropped to the blanket and wiped his brow.

Anne’s stomach tightened. He was sweating and it wasn’t that hot. Maybe he had a fever. “Are you not feeling well?”

“I’m fine.” He tugged at the neckline of his T-shirt. “Just a little warm.”

“We can move into the shade if you—”

“No. I’m good.” He gave her a not-so-convincing smile.

She frowned, finished setting out the food, and handed him a cold water. “Drink this. It might help.”

He downed half the bottle.

Good thing she’d brought a bunch more. They hadn’t even started the hike. She dipped an apple slice in peanut butter and took a bite.

Wyatt shifted so that he faced her. “Anne?”

“Yeah?” She munched on the fruit.

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.” He wiped his brow again.

“Sure, what?” Her shoulders pinched with tension. Maybe he’d made his decision about the jobs.

“I’ve been thinking, and…”

A squirrel emerged from the woods, scampering next to them. Goober bolted up and trampled through the middle of the blanket, giving chase. He launched himself on the picnic basket, smashing the lid down and busting the sides out. His paws stomped on the food, and he knocked over their water bottles.

Anne jumped back to get out of the way, but a piece of watermelon flew up, smacked her in the chest, and slid down her shirt, leaving a pink streak.

“Goober, stop.” Wyatt leaped to his feet.

The dog slid to a halt and barked under a tree the squirrel had climbed.

So much for the picnic. The carnage was epic. Wyatt’s sandwich had landed in the grass, watermelon littered the blanket, and the plates were upside down.

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